Description
This Skillet Chicken with Peaches and Orzo is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining juicy seared chicken thighs with sweet peaches, tangy balsamic vinegar, and tender orzo pasta. Perfect for a 35-minute dinner, this dish balances savory and sweet flavors with fresh herbs, making it a delightful family-friendly recipe.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 small peaches, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
Liquids and Others
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
- Fresh basil for topping, optional
Instructions
- Heat oil and sear chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Sear them in the hot skillet for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced red onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried basil, cooking for another 30 seconds to release the aromas.
- Add balsamic vinegar and honey: Pour in the balsamic vinegar and honey, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 1 minute to meld the flavors.
- Combine peaches, tomatoes, orzo, and broth: Stir in the sliced peaches, cherry tomatoes, uncooked orzo pasta, and chicken broth. Mix everything well and bring the skillet contents to a simmer.
- Simmer chicken and orzo: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet with the orzo mixture. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the orzo is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Uncover and let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken if necessary. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
- Using peaches at peak ripeness provides the best sweetness and flavor contrast.
- If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes, but cooking time may vary.
- For a dairy-free version, ensure chicken broth contains no dairy additives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
